Top 5 most-read stories last week

Stories in this list received the most page views on aspentimes.com from April 13 – April 20:

1. Nearly 2,000 ski instructors have joined lawsuit against Vail Resorts so far; opt-in deadline is Wednesday

Consent forms filed in federal court on Friday show that nearly 2,000 ski and snowboard instructors have joined a collective action against Vail Resorts, alleging Fair Labor Standards Act lawsuit against the company.

The case, Quint et al. v. Vail Resorts, Inc., alleges Vail Resorts failed to properly compensate snowsports instructors for required job duties. According to the official litigation website, plaintiffs claim employees were not paid for “off-the-clock” work, including time spent traveling between job sites, putting on and removing equipment, and attending training sessions.

The lawsuit also alleges that instructors were not reimbursed for necessary job expenses such as ski equipment and work-related cell phone use, and will attempt to recoup those expenses from the company for employees.

— John LaConte 

2. Aspen moves forward with plans for new July 4 carnival

A 65-foot Ferris wheel could be in Rio Grande Park this July 3 and 4 after Aspen City Council approved a contract for a carnival celebration in honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and the 150th anniversary of Colorado.

The proposed contract is with Brown’s Amusement “to provide a carnival for the enjoyment of the community,” according to a memo submitted to council prior to the meeting. While the cost of the contract is $150,000, council has granted a one-time supplemental appropriation of $125,000 toward the contract out of the General Fund, with the $25,000 difference proposed to come out of the Special Events annual operational budget.

“I just want to say how enthusiased I am for the amusement contract,” Council Member John Doyle said at Tuesday’s meeting. “I think this is going to be a lot of fun for the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 150th anniversary of our state.”

— River Stingray 

3. Aspen to see new e-bike fees at Maroon Bells this summer

A new $5 amenity fee will be required of all visitors entering the Maroon Bells Scenic Area on e-bikes this season.

This fee is the same as for visitors who use motorcycles. The additional revenue will go toward the overall management of the area, according to David Boyd, public affairs officer for the White River National Forest.

E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles under U.S. Forest Service policy, a press release confirms, and the fee will not apply to non-motorized bicycles. 

— River Stingray 

4. Aspen Snowmass introduces new Pass options for 2026/27 winter season

Aspen Snowmass has expanded its offerings of Passes for the 2026/27 winter season, with new flexibility, broader access and loyalty appreciation going live on Wednesday.

While the familiar Alpine 2-Day Pass and the Premier Pass are being offered per usual — along with the recently announced Ikon Base Pass — they’re joined by a Flex Pass option and a Weekday Pass option that are part of an initiative to evolve the experience on Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass while providing a balance between local and visitor needs.

According to Geoff Buchheister, CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, Aspen Snowmass’ newly released lineup is an opportunity to stand out from Ikon and Epic Passes — attempting to more intentionally meet skiers and snowboarders where they’re at.

— River Stingray 

5. Get on ‘board’ with Aspen’s newest charcuterie board business

If you’ve been looking for an elevated artisan charcuterie board created and curated in the Roaring Fork Valley with local produce and delivery from Aspen to Glenwood, look no further.

Borde + Kurv offers handmade boards, along with baskets, spanning everything from brunch to charcuterie to dessert — with thoughtfully-sourced and mostly local produce evoking European flavor and tradition.

“My heritage is Norwegian,” Jen Kemp, founder of Borde + Kurv who has lived in the valley for 24 years, said. “Growing up, I had a grandmother that really inspired me with many things in my life, and she was 100% Norwegian. My fondest memories are with my family, and the European flavor and flare was always there. When I was thinking a lot about what I wanted to present with my business idea and what I wanted to bring to the valley, it was really important to bring that family gathering piece in.”

— River Stingray